Walmart bringing back holiday layaway early; changes fees

By Marianne Wilson

Bentonville, Ark. -- Walmart announced it is bringing back layaway a month early this holiday season. The program will be available nationwide Sept. 16 through Dec. 14.

“Last year, millions of Americans relied on layaway at Walmart to provide a great Christmas for their families. Because of their feedback, we're offering the service again this year and making it better than ever," said Duncan Mac Naughton, chief merchandising and marketing officer, Walmart U.S.

In other changes, Walmart will offer a full refund of the layaway open fee ($15) to customers who make their final payment. The refund will be given on a Walmart gift card. Last year, customers had to pay a $5 fee, there was a $10 cancellation fee, and customers who paid in full did not get any gift card refund. This year's plan has no cancellation fee.

Walmart also expanded the variety of products available for layaway, adding small appliances and certain sporting goods to the lineup of toys, electronics and jewelry.